Project Location: Myanmar – Mandalay Region, Camps 01 and 02
Project Duration: 2025
Direct Beneficiaries: 694 people

Background

On March 28, 2025, an earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale shook several regions in Myanmar. Over 7,000 people lost their lives and millions were left homeless. Especially in rural areas such as Camps 01 and 02 in the Mandalay region, there was a significant lack of food and hygiene items.

International aid focused on urban areas, while remote villages were difficult to reach, not least due to travel restrictions imposed by the military government. Only locally registered NGOs such as our YOU Foundation partner were able to gain access to these regions.

Project Progress and Impact on the Target Group

Thanks to the hard work of volunteers and the project team on the ground, the project was successfully implemented in just two months despite major logistical hurdles such as landslides and impassable roads.

Distribution of Food

The distribution of food was the most urgent need and a central measure of the project. Each of the 694 beneficiaries received an aid package consisting of the following food items.

Food / Quantity per Person / Supply Period:

Rice / 6 kg / approx. 1 month

Salt / 1 packet / approx. 2 months

Mami noodles / 1 packet (6 servings) / approx. 6 days

Distribution of Hygiene Items

To ensure basic hygiene, all beneficiaries received a hygiene kit. Special attention was paid to the needs of women and girls.

Hygiene Items / Quantity per Person / Supply Period:

Soap / 1 bar / approx. 1 month

Washing powder / 1 packet / approx. 1 month

Sanitary towels / 2 packs / approx. 2 months

Partners / Cooperation
Our YOU Foundation project partner on site was responsible for the operational implementation, from the procurement of relief supplies to the distribution in the camps. Distributions were carried out together with the camp management and volunteers. Thanks to this close and effective cooperation, the aid was able to reach the affected people quickly, in a targeted manner, and in line with their needs.

Impact and Voices from the Project
The feedback below from the two camps vividly reflects how urgent aid was needed and how effective the assistance was.

Camp Management:
“One week after the earthquake, the World Food Programme (WFP) arrived and distributed 8 kg of rice per family. That was supposed to last for a month and a half, but in fact, we managed to get by on it for five weeks. Other organizations brought soap and toothbrushes. Your organization was the second largest source of support on the ground after the WFP. We are very grateful.”

Woman in the Camp:
“You came at just the right time; we had just run out of rice. We are especially grateful for the sanitary pads. Others only brought food; no one thought about women’s hygiene. Please continue to support us. We pray for you and the donors.”

Parents:
“We lost everything and felt hopeless. Your support has given us new strength. We were able to cover our basic needs for a month. But we are worried about our children’s education. A UN organization provided school supplies until July 2025, after which we will lack everything. We ask for further support and very much hope that you can help us with further educational opportunities.”

Sustainability

As an emergency aid project, 694 people affected by the earthquake received immediate support to meet their basic needs and regain their dignity as best as possible. The intervention was targeted, practical, and came at the right time. The feedback shows deep gratitude to everyone who made this help possible.

At the same time, it became clear that the needs will continue beyond the duration of the project, especially in the area of education for children. The concerns expressed by parents about their children’s school attendance underscore the importance and necessity of continuing to support Myanmar.